An Expert Guide on Battery Recycling in Ireland
Batteries power our lives, from household devices to electric vehicles (EVs). But once they’re used up, what happens to them? According to the European Commission, approximately 200,000 tonnes of portable batteries were sold in the EU in 2020, but only 48% were collected for recycling. Improper disposal of batteries can harm the environment, yet many people are unsure how to recycle them safely and effectively. At KeyGreen, we’re here to make battery recycling simple and accessible for everyone in Ireland.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about recycling batteries—from why it matters to how you can get involved today.
Why Recycling Batteries is Important
Every year, millions of batteries end up in landfills, where they leak harmful chemicals into the soil and water. Batteries contain materials like lead, mercury, and lithium, which, if improperly disposed of, can damage ecosystems and endanger human health. Recycling batteries prevents these harmful effects while also recovering valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and lead that can be reused in manufacturing.
With the rise of electric vehicles, EV battery recycling and car battery recycling are more important than ever. By recycling, we can reduce our reliance on finite resources and promote a circular economy.
Common Types of Batteries and How They Can Be Recycled
Recycling batteries is essential to reducing waste and recovering valuable materials. Different types of batteries require specific recycling processes to ensure they are handled safely and effectively. Here’s a detailed look at the most common battery types and how they can be recycled in Ireland.
Household Batteries
Household batteries, such as AA, AAA, C, D, and 9-volt batteries, are the most commonly used in homes for everyday devices like remote controls, toys, and flashlights. These alkaline or zinc-carbon batteries contain materials like steel, manganese, and zinc, which can be recycled to create new products. For further information on responsible e-waste recycling, refer to our electronic waste guide.
Recycling Process: Household batteries are collected at designated drop-off points, such as supermarkets, electronics stores, and local recycling centres. They are then transported to recycling facilities, where the batteries are sorted and shredded. The extracted materials, including metals, are purified and reused in manufacturing.
Where to Recycle: In Ireland, you can bring household batteries to collection points at retailers participating in the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) program.
Lithium-ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in smartphones, laptops, power tools, and other rechargeable devices. These batteries are highly efficient but require careful recycling due to their chemical composition, which includes valuable materials like lithium and cobalt.
Recycling Process: Lithium-ion batteries are disassembled to recover materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and copper. The recycling process involves breaking the battery into its components, extracting metals, and refining them for reuse. These materials are often used to produce new batteries, reducing the need for raw material mining.
Why Proper Recycling is Crucial: Improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries poses risks of fire and environmental damage. They must never be thrown in regular bins or landfill sites.
Where to Recycle: Drop off lithium-ion batteries at designated recycling points or return them to partnering retailers participating in WEE. For larger quantities, specialised recycling centres handle this type of battery.
Car Batteries
Car batteries, typically lead-acid batteries, are used in most vehicles to power electrical systems and start engines. They contain hazardous materials like lead and sulfuric acid, making proper recycling essential.
Recycling Process: The recycling process for lead-acid batteries involves neutralising the acid and breaking the battery into its components. Lead is extracted, melted, and purified, while the plastic casing is shredded and reused. The recycled materials are often used to manufacture new car batteries, creating a closed-loop system.
Where to Recycle: Car batteries should be taken to recycling centres or automotive service providers. Many garages and car dealerships also accept used batteries for recycling.
Benefits of Recycling: Recycling lead-acid batteries prevents toxic chemicals from entering the environment and ensures valuable materials like lead are reused.
EV Batteries
Electric vehicle (EV) batteries are typically lithium-ion batteries on a much larger scale. As the EV market grows, recycling these batteries has become a critical focus to manage waste and recover valuable materials.
Recycling Process: Recycling EV batteries involves complex processes due to their size and chemical makeup. The batteries are disassembled, and materials like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese are extracted. Advanced technologies are being developed to efficiently recycle these batteries, including hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical methods.
Why EV Battery Recycling is Important: EV batteries contain a high concentration of valuable and finite materials. Recycling reduces the need for raw material mining, supports the circular economy, and mitigates the environmental impact of discarded batteries.
Where to Recycle: EV batteries are typically recycled through authorized facilities or returned to manufacturers as part of take-back programs. Many car manufacturers and dealerships partner with specialised recycling centres to handle EV batteries responsibly.
Recycle Batteries Safely with KeyGreen
At KeyGreen, we’re committed to making waste management easy, eco-friendly, and accessible. Whether you’re recycling household batteries, car batteries, or looking for advice on vehicle battery recycling, we’re here to help.
Contact us today for expert guidance or to find your nearest recycling centre. Together, we can power a cleaner, greener Ireland—one battery at a time.